What are the principles and processes of network cable detection and TDR testing in Security Engineering Treasure

Traditional network cable detection mainly relies on multiple tools and multimeters for manual troubleshooting, which is relatively cumbersome to operate and has a single function. Moreover, traditional methods typically require the use of different equipment for different detection requirements (continuity, line sequence, breakpoint positioning, line tracing).

At present, modern security engineering treasure (such as IPC X series) integrates advanced cable testing tools such as TDR breakpoint testing, digital anti burn line tracing, and graphic digital line sequence detection, eliminating the traditional work of coordinating multiple devices and achieving high efficiency. It is the preferred choice for many weak current engineers.

Core role of security engineering treasure

Cable problems account for over 60% of the causes of malfunctions in security monitoring construction. The traditional troubleshooting method often requires multiple devices such as multimeters, line finders, and line gauges to measure together, which is inconvenient to carry, complex to operate, and inefficient. Engineering Treasure integrates TDR breakpoint testing, network cable detection, and line finding functions. Taking Yian's IPC X as an example, Engineering Treasure is equipped with a 7-inch high-definition touch screen, a 7800mAh large battery, and multiple power outputs (PoE 48V/DC12V/DC24V/DC5V) to meet long-distance breakpoint positioning of 1500 meters, as well as accurate identification of poor contact of network cable crystal heads. It supports live line finding for PoE power supply lines.

What is the principle of TDR?

TDR, also known as Time Domain Reflectometer, works by transmitting a low-voltage pulse signal to the cable, which then propagates forward along the cable. If the cable is intact, the signal will continue until the end; But if a breakpoint (open circuit) or short circuit point is encountered, the signal will be reflected back. Engineering Treasure can accurately calculate the distance of the fault point by measuring the time difference between transmission and reception, combined with the transmission speed of the signal in this type of cable.

Engineering Treasure TDR Testing Process

The TDR testing function of IPCX Engineering Treasure is an optional advanced feature that supports various cables such as Ethernet cables, coaxial cables, telephone cables, RVVP cables, etc., with a measurement range of 3-1500 meters, fully covering security construction scenarios.

The specific steps are as follows:

Step 1: Connect the cable

Connect the tested cable to the "TDR" interface of the Engineering Treasure (note: do not connect any other devices to the TDR interface).

Step 2: Select cable type

Enter the TDR breakpoint test interface and select the corresponding "cable type" based on the actual cable, such as UTP CAT 5E (Ethernet cable), coaxial cable, etc. This step is crucial because the signal transmission speed of different types of cables varies, directly affecting the ranging accuracy.

Step 3: Calibration (optional)

If there is a higher requirement for accuracy, the "calibration" function can be used to calibrate through a known length of cable and eliminate errors.

Step 4: Start testing

The test results will visually display the length of each core wire. For example, in the following figure, 1 core displays 8.2 meters, 2 cores displays 10.4 meters... If the length of a certain core is significantly shorter than other cores, it indicates that there is a breakpoint in that core.

Step 5: Generate Test Report

After the test is completed, a test report can be generated with just one click for easy archiving or displaying of troubleshooting results to customers.

In actual testing, the length of the 8-core network cable is displayed separately. Once an abnormal value is found in one core (such as being much shorter than normal), the breakpoint position of that core can be accurately located to avoid blindly replacing the entire cable.

Network cable detection

The network cable detection function focuses on whether the crystal head is in good contact and whether the wire sequence is correct. IPCX Engineering Treasure combines these two to form a complete cable diagnosis loop. The Engineering Treasure has a built-in network cable sequence testing module, which sends test signals to the cable to detect whether the 8-core wire is conducting, whether the line sequence matches, and whether there is any crossing or short circuit. At the same time, when used in conjunction with the measuring box, it is possible to determine whether the fault occurred on the host end or the remote crystal head separately.

Network cable testing operation process

The network cable detection function of IPCX Engineering Treasure is designed very intuitively, without the need for complex settings:

Step 1: Connect to Ethernet cable

Insert one end of the Ethernet cable into the "UTP" interface of the Engineering Treasure, and the other end into the matching cable box (optional).

Step 2: Automatic detection

After entering the network cable detection interface, the system automatically starts scanning and displays a schematic diagram of the wire sequence - which core is connected, which core is disconnected, and which core has the wrong wire sequence, making it clear at a glance.

Step 3: Fault location

If there is a malfunction in the crystal head, the interface will directly indicate the location of the malfunction. For example, as shown in the figure, "Fault in 2-core and 5-core crystal heads at the measuring box end" is marked with a red "X", which can be understood without any professional knowledge.

Step 4: Anti burn wiring (optional)

For PoE lines that have already been powered on, IPCX Engineering Treasure supports 60V live and noise free line searching, with anti burning and voltage resistant design, which can complete cable searching without cutting off the power supply, greatly improving construction safety.